Freedom of Information Team
NORTH
WALES
POLICE
HEDDLU GOGLEDD CYMRU
Freedom of Information Request:
2009/583
Response Date:
24/11/2009
2009/583 – Firearms - Appendix 'H' Logs regarding use of Taser on animals
In response to your recent request for information;
Please send me a copy of all 'Appendix H' sheets that have been completed where
the Taser was used against a non-human animal.
Since April 2003 when the initial Police Taser trial began with just five forces taking part,
North Wales Police have used a ‘Taser’ twice on animals.
The first was in June 2003 during the trial, involving a vicious dog; we do not hold a form
for this incident.
The following press article maybe of interest to you;
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2003/06/16/vicious-dog-becomes-first-
stun-gun-victim-55578-13074230/
The second was in October 2008, involving a Ram on the A55. Please see the attached
Appendix H form. Personal data has been redacted from the document under Section 40 of
the Act.
THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST UNDER THE
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000, AND IS CORRECT AS AT 17/11/2009
APPENDIX H - TASER DEPLOYMENT FORM (v9 Nov 2007)
Requirement
•
The purpose of this form is to gather research information about the operational effectiveness of the
TASER system
•
The questions specifically relate to the operational environment and the responses of the individual hit
by the TASER
•
The data is required to enable regular operational use audits and evaluations to ensure that any
emerging issues are properly reflected in TASER training and guidance, as recommended by ACPO
and DOMILL1
Instructions
1. This form is to be completed following all incidents where a TASER is
used2.
2. If a TASER is drawn by
more than one firer at any given incident, a separate form is required for each
firer.
3. If a TASER is
used on more than one SUBJECT by any individual firer, a separate form is required
for each individual targeted.
4. If possible please attach the
download data in cases where TASER is fired or used in drive stun mode
and send along with the completed deployment form to
HOSDB only.
1
DSAC Sub-Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons (DOMILL): Statement on the medical implications of
M26 and X26 TASER use at incidents where firearms authority has not been granted (May 2007)
2
“Use” as defined by ACPO: TASER Operational Guidance July 2007 policy section 6.6.3
OFFICERS COMPLETING THIS FORM SHOULD EMAIL FORMS AND FORCE MEDICAL
EXAMINERS FORMS TO APPROPRIATE FORCE TASER LIAISON OFFICERS WHO WILL REFER
TO ACPO & HOSDB.
TASER FIRING REPORT
This form
MUST be completed by the
officer using the TASER, then sent to your force liaison officer:
FORCE TASER LIAISON OFFICER
CONTACT TEL/EMAIL
DATE FORM COMPLETED
01.10.2008
SUMMARY: TO BE COMPLETED IN ALL CASES
FORCE
North Wales
INCIDENT DATE
01.10.2008
INCIDENT TIME
14.40
INCIDENT NUMBER
J187533
PLEASE INDICATE INCIDENT TYPE
AFO USE IN AUTHORISED FIREARMS OPERATION
AFO EXTENDED USE OUTSIDE A FIREARMS OPERATION
USE BY NON-AFO IN GENERAL POLICING
TOTAL NUMBER OF TASERS
USED IN OPERATION (
To Include All Officers)
2
COMPLETION OF THIS FORM RELATES TO THE FOLLOWING USE OF TASER.
Please specify the highest level(s) of use (indicate if both drive stun and firing methods were used):
1 – Drawn
4 – Arced
2 – Aimed
5 – Drive Stun
3 – Red Dot
6 – Fired
Page 1 of 10
TASER OFFICER DETAILS
If multiple TASER officers present, indicate how many
2
NAME
NUMBER
RANK PC
SPECIFIC ROLE at INCIDENT AFO using TASER outside firearms op.
FORCE North Wales
TOUR OF DUTY
(e.g. 07:00 – 15:00) 1400 - 2400
Previous operational experiences with X26 TASER
deployment
Yes
No
Number of times
actually used, excluding this incident
0
Previous operational experiences with M26 ADVANCED TASER
deployment Yes
No
Number of times
actually used, excluding this incident
0
1. INCIDENT ENVIRONMENT (Please mark with an X all that apply)
Was this an individual aggressor acting alone?
Yes
No
Was this an individual acting in a group?
Yes
No
Was this an individual acting in a crowd, during serious public disorder? Yes
No
Ambient light conditions: (please mark with an X all that apply)
Daylight
Dusk/twilight
Darkness
Artificial
light
Weather details:
Overcast.
Environmental contaminants:
Smoke
Other salient features:
Subject location: (please mark with an X all that apply):
Indoor
Outdoor
Open countryside
Residential premises
Other A55 St Asaph
Incident location postcode
2. INTENDED SUBJECT CHARACTERISTICS
Sex:
Male
Female
please state if animal e.g. dog
Sheep (RAM)
Age:
Yrs
(Tick if estimate)
DOB: N/A
Officer defined ethnicity:
NS Not Stated
(please use Home Office ethnicity classification)
Self defined ethnicity:
NS Not Stated
Height: <5’
5-6’
>6’
Musculature/athletic build Yes
No
Build: Small
Medium
Large
Page 2 of 10
Intended subject orientation at time of firing TASER (please mark with an X all that apply):
Standing
Sitting
Lying
Forward facing
Facing away
Facing sideways
Stationary
Approaching
Retreating
Other
Other individuals in close proximity to the subject (please mark with an X all that apply):
Hostage(s):
No
Yes
If yes, what orientation
Subject compatriot(s)
No
Yes
If yes, number present
Bystander(s)
No
Yes
If yes, number present
3
Vulnerable Person(s)
No
Yes
If yes, provide details below:
Other law enforcement personnel
No
Yes
If yes, provide details
Was the subject using or threatening to use a weapon of any sort?
No
Yes
Details of weapon(s)
3. TASER AND USER CHARACTERISTICS
TASER Serial No. X00-130537
Barb Cartridge Serial No. T08-1796794
TASER Variant
X26
M26
Standing Prone
Sitting
TASER Officer position:
(mark all that apply)
Kneeling
AV/gunport
Other
Page 3 of 10
4. TASER DISCHARGE DETAILS
Approximate range to intended subject:
3
metres
Details of TASER use (mark all that apply)
Drawn
Aimed
Go to
Firing
Continue with
Red dot
Arced
Section 5
Drive-Stun
mode
Section 4
TASER Drive Stun and Firing
Drive Stun Mode
Firing
Application point
Aim point
Right side of animal
How many TASER barbs attached to intended
Successful stun application?
subject
Yes
No
Both
One
None
Distance between barbs
N/K
cm’s
Repeat application?
Did the TASER barbs contact any person other
Yes
No
State how many:
than the intended subject?
Yes
No
If yes, complete a separate form
Why did you opt for the drive stun mode rather
If TASER was fired unsuccessfully please state
than firing?
the reason why?
Application contact Points :
Barb Contact Points :
please list according to referenced zone on picture
please list according to referenced zone on picture
Stun application zones
Top barb attachment zone e.g. 5
(please list ALL stuns
e.g. 1st = G, 2nd = 7)
Bottom barb attachment zone
For additional cartridges used with this TASER go to the end of form
Front Back
Front
Back
Clothing of subject hit:
Successful pulse discharge?
Yes
No
Top:
5 sec application interrupted?
Yes
No
Bottom:
Repeat cycle of same cartridge?
Yes
No
State how many:
1
For all firings/stuns please complete clothing details (left-hand side)
Page 4 of 10
5. PRIME TACTICAL PURPOSE
Incident details:
Spontaneous
Pre-planned
Reason for TASER use (tick all that apply):
Prevent offence
Protect public
Secure evidence
Effect arrest
Effect search
Prevent harm
Prevent escape
Accidental
Remove handcuffs
Protect self
Suspected weapon
Other
Please state in your own terms why the TASER was selected for use during the incident
The animal is a large Ram and was running amoke on the west bound cariageway on the A55. It was
being chased by several persons and was making its way towards the fast moving East bound
carriageway. Taser has been used to prevent the animal causing an accident and possible death.
6. SUBJECT BEHAVIOUR & RESPONSE
What behaviour was the intended subject displaying to prompt the firing of the TASER?
(please mark with an X all that apply)
Yes Toward police Toward other(s)
Threatening behaviour
If so state who directed at
Violent behaviour
If so state who directed at
Agitator behaviour
Suicidal /self-harming behaviour
Escaping (evading/avoiding) behaviour
What other tactical and/or weapon options were used in conjunction with the TASER to prevent the
subject from carrying out their intended course of action. (please mark with an X for all that apply)
Available but not Used prior to Used concurrently Used following
Option
selected for use
TASER
with TASER
TASER
Verbal tactical
communication
Negotiation
Warning
Dogs:(Non-Compliant)
Dogs:(General Purpose)
Conventional Firearms
AEP
CS Spray
PAVA Spray
Water cannon
Batons (hand held)
Other:
(State what)
If a TASER had not been available for this incident,
N/A
what option would you have chosen instead?
Page 5 of 10
Please indicate the level to which you agree with the following statements:
• “The
drawing of the TASER alone (without requirement for firing/discharge or drive stun mode) was
sufficient to dissuade the subject from carrying out their intended course of action.”
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
Please explain the reason for your choice:
To prevent an accident and to help preserve life.
• “The physical effect following a single TASER
discharge was of sufficient magnitude to prevent the
subject from carrying out their intended course of action.”
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
Please explain the reason for your choice:
The animal fell onto its side frozen and has tried to get up after the initial 5 seconds. It has received a
second discharge and has been restrained on the floor.
• “The overall
duration of the physical effect on the subject was of sufficient magnitude to enable tactical
exploitation of the situation.”
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
Please explain the reason for your choice:
N/A
• For individuals acting in a group or a crowd (refer back to answer selected in Q2)
“The use of the TASER was sufficient to enable tactical exploitation of the situation.”
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
Please explain the reason for your choice:
N/A
Page 6 of 10
7. POTENTIAL MODERATORS TO TASER EFFECTIVENESS
The effectiveness of the TASER may vary, depending on a number of factors or
behavioural moderators; some of these are listed below. Please indicate if any of
these may have been relevant, in addition to indicating whether the presence of this moderator was
known to the firer, prior to TASER delivery.
Yes
Known prior to TASER delivery
Alcohol:
Drugs:
Existing mental health disorder:
Existing medical condition:
Psychological factors
(e.g. motivation / arousal):
Give details:
N/A
Other:
Give details:
Identify any countermeasures which were used by the subject to modify the intended physical
effect of the TASER:
N/A
Page 7 of 10
8. CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT
Please indicate the nature of all observable injuries sustained during the incident and provide
details:
COINCIDENTAL
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
- injuries received in the
ADVERSE EFFECT - as a direct result of the - as a result of an indirect incident not directly related
TYPE
TASER current flow on
delivery such as injuries
to TASER use e.g. self-
the body
from barbs or falls
inflicted wounds, gunshot
wounds, dog bites.
Adverse effect
N/A
N/A
N/A
description
First aid given?
(yes/no, delete as
N/A
N/A
N/A
appropriate)
Ambulance/medic
N/A
N/A
N/A
treatment at scene?
Treatment required
N/A
N/A
N/A
in hospital?
Barb removal:
By whom
Location
AT SCENE
Subject detained in custody:
Yes
No
State location:
Hospital
Police Station
Other
Referral to FME during custody:
Yes
No
Medical Evaluation of subject conducted in custody:
Yes
No
ATTACH FME REPORT TO THIS FORM
Successful TASER Firings/Drive Stuns require the completion of a Force Medical Examination Form –
THIS WILL NEED TO BE OBTAINED IN ALL CASES. If not obtained, please provide explanation:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please use this space to add any further comments you consider necessary
(i.e. issues from debrief):
The use of the taser on this animal has aided in its capture resulting in both lanes of the carriageway
becoming free flowing in a short space of time. It has also prevented the animal making across to the
opposite carrigeway and into the direct path of fast moving on coming traffic.
Page 8 of 10
9. BREAKDOWN OF OPERATION FROM COMMENCEMENT TO RESOLUTION.
To be completed when TASER has been fired or used in drive-stun mode (this will be used as a basis
for a brief to all forces and is MANDATORY). Incomplete forms cannot be accepted and will be
returned. Please complete following The Conflict Management Model.
Whilst at the firearms base in St Asaph we have received information over the radio of an incident of a
sheep stray on the A55 at junction 27.
A few minutes later whilst on route a further update has been received from the control room operator
stating that a member of the public had hold of the sheep on the west bound off slip at the St Asaph
business park.
As we have driven over the A55 flyover we have been stopped by a passing truck driver who has
stated that there is a sheep loose on the carriageway causing havoc and he has pointed to the A55
west bound carriageway. Upon looking I could see both lanes of the West bound carriageway stopped
just passed the on slip. I could also see that traffic was approaching and having to brake hard to come
to a halt.
As I have approached the A55 I could see more traffic coming to an abrupt halt on this fast moving
road. I could also see a male at the front of the traffic vigorously pointing towards the rear of the
stationary traffic. I was unsure if he was pointing at the stopped traffic and the other traffic approaching
or if he was pointing to the location of the sheep.
There were also several other persons out of there vehicles at this time trying to catch what I saw was
a large Ram running loose on the carriageway. I could also see that the East bound carriageway was
moving as normal with a steady flow of fast moving traffic.
I was second to alight the vehicle and could see that my colleague had made around to the front and
had joined several other people in trying to capture the loose animal. As I have got out the Ram has
made past me heading east and has made towards the central reservation in the direction of the
opposite fast moving carriageway.
My thoughts were of the danger to the other road users and to ourselves and the other members of
public now out of there vehicles on the road. I have considered the implications of an animal of this size
making across to the other carriageway where it could have easily caused a traffic collision involving
several vehicles and caused a possible loss of life.
With all these considerations in mind I have made the decision to self arm and at approx 14.50 hours I
have drawn my X26 Taser and as the animal has neared the central reservation I have discharged the
device hitting the animal in its Right side where it has immediately come to a halt on the grassed
section of the central reservation and has frozen falling onto its Left side The Taser has been left to
Additional Information
Notification made to IPCC?
Yes
No
Investigating Body?
Case number
Notification made to Home Office?
Yes
No
Force Medical Examiner Report(s) attached?
Yes
No
Completing officers should email forms and FME to the Force TASER Liaison Officer to log, they will
then refer to:
ACPO Firearms …[email address]
HOSDB ............…[email address]
ACPO SDAR……[email address]
ALL forms
MUST go to
HOSDB, preferably with download data in cases of firings and stun mode uses. All
forms resulting from a firearms operation should be sent to ACPO Firearms. Taser use by firearms officers
outside of a firearms operation and by specially trained officers should be sent to ACPO SDAR.
Page 9 of 10
Additional Taser cartridge discharge details:
Please complete for all additional cartridges used with this Taser.
2nd cartridge details:
3rd cartridge details:
Approx. range to intended subject:
Approx. range to intended subject:
Barb Cartridge Serial No.
Barb Cartridge Serial No.
Aim point
Aim point
How many TASER barbs attached to intended
How many TASER barbs attached to intended
subject?
subject?
Both
One
None
Both
One
None
Distance between barbs
cm’s
Distance between barbs
cm’s
Did the TASER barbs contact any person other
Did the TASER barbs contact any person other
than the intended subject?
than the intended subject?
Yes
No
If yes, complete a separate form
Yes
No
If yes, complete a separate form
If TASER was fired unsuccessfully please state
If TASER was fired unsuccessfully please state
the reason why?
the reason why?
Contact Points :
Contact Points :
please list according to referenced zone on picture
please list according to referenced zone on picture
Top barb attachment zone e.g. 5
Top barb attachment zone e.g. 5
Bottom barb attachment zone
Bottom barb attachment zone
Front Back
Front Back
Successful pulse discharge?
Yes
No
Successful pulse discharge?
Yes
No
5 sec application interrupted?
Yes
No
5 sec application interrupted?
Yes
No
Repeat cycle of same cartridge?
Repeat cycle of same cartridge?
Yes
No
State how many:
Yes
No
State how many:
For additional cartridges please continue on a separate sheet
Page 10 of 10
Whilst at the firearms base in St Asaph we have received information over the radio of an
incident of a sheep stray on the A55 at junction 27.
A few minutes later whilst on route a further update has been received from the control room
operator stating that a member of the public had hold of the sheep on the west bound off slip
at the St Asaph business park.
As we have driven over the A55 flyover we have been stopped by a passing truck driver who
has stated that there is a sheep loose on the carriageway causing havoc and he has pointed
to the A55 west bound carriageway. Upon looking I could see both lanes of the West bound
carriageway stopped just passed the on slip. I could also see that traffic was approaching and
having to brake hard to come to a halt.
As I have approached the A55 I could see more traffic coming to an abrupt halt on this fast
moving road. I could also see a male at the front of the traffic vigorously pointing towards the
rear of the stationary traffic. I was unsure if he was pointing at the stopped traffic and the
other traffic approaching or if he was pointing to the location of the sheep.
There were also several other persons out of there vehicles at this time trying to catch what I
saw was a large Ram running loose on the carriageway. I could also see that the East bound
carriageway was moving as normal with a steady flow of fast moving traffic.
I was second to alight the vehicle and could see that my colleague had made around to the
front and had joined several other people in trying to capture the loose animal. As I have got
out the Ram has made past me heading east and has made towards the central reservation
in the direction of the opposite fast moving carriageway.
My thoughts were of the danger to the other road users and to ourselves and the other
members of public now out of there vehicles on the road. I have considered the implications
of an animal of this size making across to the other carriageway where it could have easily
caused a traffic collision involving several vehicles and caused a possible loss of life.
With all these considerations in mind I have made the decision to self arm and at approx
14.50 hours I have drawn my X26 Taser and as the animal has neared the central reservation
I have discharged the device hitting the animal in its Right side where it has immediately
come to a halt on the grassed section of the central reservation and has frozen falling onto its
Left side. The Taser has been left to run its full 5 second cycle. Whilst waiting for my
colleague to make his way to the animal it has tried to get up and I have once again activated
the device thus keeping it on the floor. My colleague has then grabbed the animal keeping it
pinned to the floor.
We have then been joined by 2 members of the public and I have pulled the barbs out whilst
the animal has been struggling. I could not see at this time if the barbs have come out of the
animal due to its woollen coat. The 4 of us have then carried it across to the other side of the
road where we have been joined by a local farmer who has offered to take the animal back to
its owner.
I have informed the farmer that the animal has been Taser’d and to inform its owner and to
check the animal in case the barbs were still in it.
